Hambleton, Rutland Water, Spring 2013, snow photographs.
One of the reasons that gave me concern was a planning approval decision allowed under delegated powers at Hambleton. The approval was allowed by officers in consultation with the chairman of the Development Control Committee at the time and the Ward member.
The history of planning applications on this site goes back to 1970 when a replacement farmyard was only allowed in this location due to the existing farmyard being lost in the construction of Rutland Water. (A more detailed history can be found here richardgale.me )
Cllrs. Gale and Wainwright have met with the Chief Executive Officer of Rutland County Council and spoken about our concerns, asking for an examination of the history of planning applications on this farmyard and how a very large development, that flies in the face of previous reasoning and decisions, was approved by officers and supported by only two councillors, Not the Development Control Committee. There had been so much controversy when other applications were considered. Our request was refused, however I have continued to seek out further information myself.
It is easy to find out from Land Registry that the farmyard was sold at a price of £1.45M with a previous planning approval. Yet it has recently been stated to the original owner that a price of £1.7M ‘was paid for this planning permission’, which had become significantly larger, against previous decisions.
It would make sense to me to fully examine recent history of this site and planning consent given as developments on the site far exceed previous refusals. We have asked and been refused Council involvement in this examination so seek public support to bring this matter into the open. It is a reasonable request.
Cllr. Richard Gale
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Dave Robinson said
D Robinson said
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Richard said
Robinson said
Richard said
Since you were unable to provide the reference numbers I investigated your assertion that the Ombudsman had looked into the Limes twice in the past and found nothing wrong. In fact, the Ombudsman has never been involved.
Here is a copy of a Council email I received on the matter.
Dear Cllr Gale
Further to your telephone call earlier this week I can confirm that we have no knowledge of an Ombudsman complaint relating to this site. If the complaint has only just been submitted it may be several weeks before the Council is made aware by the LGO.
It is likely that the details of any complaint from the LGO would go to Geoff Pook in the first instance (I did check with him).
Kind regards
James
James Frieland | Contracts & Support Services Manager
Rutland County Council
Catmose, Oakham, Rutland LE15 6HP
t: 01572 758288 | f: 01572 758 373 | e: jfrieland@rutland.gcsx.gov.uk
w: http://www.rutland.gov.uk/
http://www.4rutland.com/richard/the-limes